Pennsylvania Hybrid Doctorate Nursing Programs

Hybrid Doctorate in Nursing Programs often encompass the research-focused PhD in Nursing and the practice-focused Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees. A PhD might interest the scholar-scientist. DNP degree programs might equip advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and nurse administrators with the skills to apply this scientific research into their clinical work.

How Do Hybrid Doctorate in Nursing Programs Work?

Sometimes referred to as ‘blended’ programs, Hybrid Doctorate in Nursing Programs mix online and on campus instruction. Formats do vary between schools, though they often deliver most classes, outside of clinical and practicums via an online platform.

To fulfill any clinical components, a school might work with students to help them find clinical preceptors close to their home. This could allow nurses to complete practice hours with an agency mentor in their community or at their place of employment.These programs are thus often suitable to students who live close enough to the university to manage some travel.

As a format, hybrid doctorate nursing programs tend to be tailoerd toward students who want the flexibility to learn independently but not totally give up in-person collaborative discussions with faculty and classmates.

Other potential features of a hybrid nursing doctorate program might include the following.

on-campus orientation

on-campus residency

user-friendly online platform interface

simple access to course content (24/7)

information exchange (student to cohorts, student to instructor)

Hybrid Doctorate in Nursing Programs: PhD or DNP?

Academically equal, the DNP and PhD in Nursing generally include different curriculums. PhD in Nursing students often focus on the development of new nursing knowledge and on the advancement of scientific inquiry. DNP students typically zero in on implementation of current evidence-based

medical care to improve patient care and population health.

Hybrid PhD in Nursing Programs

In a PhD program, coursework typically explores research and analytical methods, theory and nursing science. Most programs also encourage candidates to anchor their research in interests that directly relate to their careers. Then, they culminate their contribution to the nursing profession through a written dissertation.

Core PhD Nursing Courses

Core PhD Nursing courses differ between schools, but they all usually work to establish breadth and depth of knowledge. Students might also learn how to write grants, and to analyze and present information. A sample of topics that might weave through a PhD curriculum could include the following.

Advanced research statistics

Quantitative and Qualitative research methods

Health policy

Students may be able to enter a PhD program with a BSN, MSN or related masters degree. Since the entry points vary, so does program length. Some schools project that the range is from three to five years, however, there are many factors at play—such as whether you study full-time or part-time. . . .

Hybrid Doctor of Nursing Practice Programs

In most hybrid DNP programs, the focus melds healthcare policy, advocacy, information systems, and technology with healthcare quality improvement. Students typically learn translational science, and how to direct or lead within an organization.

Students therefore could study to build a portfolio of nursing care practices and patient care diagnosis skills. Candidates typically culminate their studies with an action research (DNP) project.

Core DNP courses

In accredited DNP programs, core courses build off of the DNP Essentials written out by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). Regardless of what they major in, a DNP student is typically prepared with eight key competencies.

Scientific underpinnings for practice

Systems leadership

Clinical scholarship

IT for health care

Health care policy and advocacy

Inter-professional collaboration

Population health

Advanced nursing practice

DNP students also take courses that relate to their emphasis area. For instance, in a DNP-FNP family nurse practitioner program, students might take courses in advanced care of special populations and chronic disease management.

Entry-points for Hybrid DNP Programs

There are several ways to potentially enter a DNP degree program.Three common entry points might include the (1) BSN, (2) MSN, and (3) APRN/MSN.

Hybrid BSN to DNP programs are designed for current registered nurses (RNs) who have earned a Bachelors degree in nursing. A BSN to DNP could include about 65 credits and might take about three years to complete. Applicants may need undergraduate courses in statistics, research, health assessment and pathophysiology.

Hybrid MSN to DNP programs are designed for RNs who have earned a Master's degree in nursing, but do not have their Advance Practice Nurse Certification (APRN). Some programs might entail about 56 credits and about two or more years to complete. Applicants may need graduate level courses in statistics and research.

Hybrid APRN to DNP programs could also be called ‘post-masters’ or ‘DNP completion’. These programs typically require nurses to have a current APRN license/certification and experience. Some programs may entail about 40 credits and may take between one and three years.

Application Information

Each school may set its own admission requirements. Usually, applicants to DNP programs need to furnish transcripts and copies of any certification and licenses they have. Schools often set a minimum GPA that could range from 3.0 to 3.25. Additional material that students may need to submit could include:

Get Your Match to Doctorate Nursing Programs

Search for Hybrid Doctorate in Nursing Programs in a specific subject such as DNP-Nurse practitioner, or in a preferred city or state. Get a personalized list of sponsored programs that you can quickly and easily apply to. Just use the on-page form to get started!

St. Vincent College

Saint Vincent College, in collaboration with Excela Health School of Anesthesia, offers one of the nation’s few doctoral completion programs in nurse anesthesia, meeting future expectations of the health care industry today.
TheDoctor of Nurse Anesth...

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